Sorry I forgot the disclaimer on the first chapter. I don't own anything though I did toss a bunch of OC's into later chapters. The next chapter I should hopefully be able to post the original story I came up with. As I said though, the evil plot bunnies distracted me so this happened.

Faramir wracked his brain as he hurried away. He had hoped for a day of relaxation in his room, at least for a few hours, because there wouldn't be any serious business done this day. He would have much preferred to spend the day with Eowyn but their wedding wasn't for several months yet, according to the tradition of her people.

Heading down the stairs, he realized that his distraction would have to take place within the city because there was absolutely no way he was getting back on a horse. And besides, Aragorn would definitely be suspicious if he was lured back onto his horse the same day they got back. Finally, Faramir decided to take the king down to one of his favorite bars. That decided, he went back up the stairs and changed into something more suitable for roaming the streets and then went to find Aragorn.

Aragorn was just finishing clearing up the major problems that needed his intervention. The audiences would not start again until the next day. Catching the king's eye as he rose from his throne, the steward nodded toward the doorway. Elessar nodded back and came over after dismissing the courtiers.

"Yes, Faramir? Was there something you needed?"

"Not exactly, Your Majesty. I was just thinking of inviting you to go with me to a bar." Faramir tried not to flush as he spoke under Elessar's penetrating gaze.

He was relieved that he must have succeeded, because Aragorn answered, "I would love to. Let's go." Then he paused. I'd better find other clothes. I'd be a bit conspicuous as I am." He hurried up to his room, changed his clothes, and was back downstairs within a few minutes, not even noticing Arwen's guilty look.

The two men headed out of the gates, Faramir in his Ranger of Ithilien clothes, and Aragorn in his Ranger of the north garb. The guards paid them no notice as they left, for Rangers were a common sight in the city and citadel both and were not hindered passage. Both felt much relief at that because they were both tired of the acclaim that went with the rank.

Around and around the streets they went, down to the fourth level. Finally, Faramir stopped before a pub with a sign of a rooster above the door. As Aragorn looked at it, he stifled a chuckle and followed the prince in. They stood in the doorway for a moment so their eyes could adjust, and an old man stood up. His eyes were filled with shock as he pointed at Aragorn. His mouth opened and closed several times as he stood up and finally he blurted out, "Thorongil?!"

Aragorn looked at the man who seemed vaguely familiar. Finally he placed the memory. "Weren't you the captain of the ship that went down to Umbar to defeat the Corsairs?" He asked curiously.

"Thorongil! It is you!" The old captain exclaimed.

Faramir looked baffled. "Thorongil? Why would he call you that, Ara…" He stopped at the king's gesture.

"It's a long story. I'll tell you later. I'd like you to meet Gaeris."

Faramir shook hands with the man and wondered again who exactly Aragorn was. He had heard of Thorongil of course. The man was practically a legend. As a boy, he had heard stories from guardsmen who spoke of a man who seemingly came from Rohan, though he did not look to be of the Rohirrim, and who was quickly promoted to captain. After defeating the Corsairs, he had vanished as suddenly as he had come.

Resolving to confront Aragorn later, he sat down at the table where Aragorn was already deep in conversation with Gaeris. Faramir ordered drinks for himself and his companion and listened as the two older men spoke of old acquaintances. As he sipped the beer, though, he was glad he had brought Aragorn there, because he would almost definitely be distracted until suppertime as Arwen had asked.

However, it was only an hour later that Aragorn was ready to go, having promised to come back again soon. Making a fast decision, Faramir said, "Would you mind walking with me for awhile. I am hoping to find a gift for Eowyn and have no idea what she would like. Perhaps you can give me some suggestions?" He sighed silently with relief when Aragorn nodded. After a few hours of deliberation, he found a book of Númenorean poetry that he bought. A glance at the sun told him he was right on time.

They hurried back to the citadel to change into more suitable clothes and then down to the larger dining hall. The king and steward entered together to discover that Arwen had been very busy since they had left. There was a hobbit-sized meal on the table as well as an enormous cake which had written on it in berry juice 'Maara nosta, Frodo Baggins' in Tengwar. Aragorn stared in awe and then looked at his grinning wife. He smiled back at her and then announced, "Let's eat!"

Though none of them were hobbits, the food did not go to waste, and what wasn't eaten then was given to the servants to eat or take to their families. Aragorn approved of such a practice and went to bed still bemused at the memory of the party. His mood turned melancholy, however, as he thought about what he had seen in the City that day as they searched the shops. There had been poor people, who appeared to be starving, begging in the lower levels away from the main road. There had been children in rags, trying to find food in the thrown out remains of other people's meals.

As he kissed Arwen goodnight, he resolved to do something about the matter. Those were his people to take care of and he would not let them down.

Happy Birthday, Frodo!